Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been cleared to play for Nigeria after FIFA approved his request to change international allegiance from England.

The decision was recorded on April 6, 2026, on FIFA’s official Change of Association register, where his nationality has been updated to the Nigeria Football Federation, replacing his previous affiliation with England’s Football Association.

Okonkwo, who was born in Camden to Nigerian parents, previously featured for England across several youth levels during his time at Arsenal, including the Under-18 side.

The 24-year-old initially joined Wrexham on loan in 2023, spending the campaign at the Stok Cae Ras before completing a permanent transfer in 2024. Since then, he has established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the EFL Championship.

Between 2015 and 2019, he represented England at U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18 levels but never earned a senior cap, making him eligible to switch under FIFA regulations.

His performances this season have stood out, with a string of key saves contributing to Wrexham’s competitiveness in England’s second tier, attracting attention as a strong option for Nigeria.

The nationality switch follows earlier contact with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup in London, although paperwork delays meant he was unavailable for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Okonkwo’s inclusion is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s goalkeeping department, where Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho are among the current options.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made notable changes to his squad ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies, leaving out some of the team’s biggest names, including Victor Osimhen and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwankwo.

The Nigeria Football Federation announced a 23-man list on Wednesday for the two matches, with Chelle retaining a number of experienced players while also bringing in new faces.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi will lead the team, with Alex Iwobi supporting him in midfield. Ademola Lookman is expected to spearhead the attack in Osimhen’s absence.

Apart from Osimhen and Nwankwo, several players who were in the AFCON pool have also been left out. They include goalkeeper Amas Obasogie; defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Ryan Alebiosu; midfielders Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi; and forwards Salim Fagowei Lawal and Cyriel Dessers.

Nigeria will face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches now scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey. The games were originally set to be played in Amman but were relocated due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

In goal, Maduka Okoye returns to the squad and is expected to challenge for the starting spot, while Adeleye Adebayo is also recalled. Francis Uzoho completes the goalkeeping options.

The defence features a mix of experience and new talent, with Semi Ajayi recalled and Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez receiving his first senior call-up.

Midfield duties will be handled by familiar faces, including Ndidi, Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka, with support from Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

Up front, Chelle has selected a range of attacking options, including Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams. Germany-based forward Philip Otele and Belgium-based Collins Yira Sor have also earned their first call-ups following impressive club performances.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Adeleye Adebayo, Francis Uzoho
Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Emmanuel Fernandez
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Philip Otele, Collins Yira Sor

FIFA has sanctioned the Nigeria Football Federation and the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association over disciplinary breaches recorded during a 2026 World Cup qualifying match between the two nations, played on November 16, 2025.

In its latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying fixtures, the global football governing body confirmed that both federations were found guilty of separate offences linked to spectator behaviour during the encounter.

Nigeria was penalised for failing to maintain proper order and security at the match after fans were reported to have thrown objects onto the field of play. The offence violated Articles 17 and 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, resulting in a fine of 1,000 Swiss francs imposed on the Nigerian federation.

The Congolese football authority received a heavier sanction after its supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the game. The act contravened Article 17.2.d of the Disciplinary Code.

As a result, FIFA handed the Congolese federation a 5,000 Swiss francs fine, significantly higher than the penalty issued to Nigeria.

FIFA noted that disciplinary rulings are determined based on the specific circumstances surrounding each case and may still be subject to appeal.

The organisation also explained that while summaries of sanctions are released publicly to inform the media, the full legal decisions are communicated directly to the federations concerned.